Semnan Bazaar

🕰️When was it built?

The main Grand Bazaar is attributed to the early Qajar period, while Sheikh Ala al-Dowleh Bazaar has an older history, associated with the Ilkhanid period and earlier. The complex joined Iran's National Heritage List on 1 July 1996 as number 1740.

🏛️What was it built for?

The public bazaar consisted of the main market lane and Sheikh Ala al-Dowleh Bazaar, bringing trade, worship and gatherings together. The northern section runs from around the junction of Shohada and Nezami streets to Imam Street. The southern market leads from Imam Street towards Pahneh Tekyeh, while Nasar Tekyeh is in the north.

👀What you will see

• Mud-brick and brick roofs rest on pointed arches; follow the repeating curves along the lane.
• Large glass roof lights admit daylight and spread it across the passage.
• The northern and southern portals have inscriptions in deep blue tiles; pause to look at the lettering.
• Nasar Tekyeh in the northern bazaar, and Pahneh Tekyeh and Semnan's Pahneh Bathhouse in the south, offer separate stops along the walk.

💡Something interesting

Sheikh Ala al-Dowleh Bazaar is also called the Market of the Dead because it lay on the route used to carry the deceased to Alamdar Cemetery. Construction of Imam Street removed much of its fabric, leaving only part of the old route.

🎒Good to know before you go

• Look up every few steps to see the roof and light openings, as well as the shopfronts.